Alice, 16, Barrow

My faith has always been a part of my life. I've been brought up in a Catholic family. I've been baptised, confirmed and made my Holy Communion. I've attended a Catholic primary and secondary school and I've always gone to Church. I always enjoyed and appreciated my faith without truly understanding it.

I first went to Castlerigg two years ago on a school retreat and since then my faith has become so much more. Before then, it was important to me but sometimes being a Catholic felt quite lonely when I was surrounded by my friends who don't share my beliefs. Through Castlerigg and other Youth Events in my parish I have become closer to many more people and I feel part of something really special and important.

Every time I go to Castlerigg I leave with great memories and new friends, but more importantly renewed faith and a greater understanding of what my faith means to me and I find this really helps me when I'm struggling in various aspects of my life.

My faith is now such a big part of my life and I cannot imagine life without it. Being a Young Catholic is not without its struggles. Sometimes it can be difficult and it can feel quite lonely, but it brings me so much happiness and I can't imagine my life without my faith or the people I've met and the opportunities I've had because of it.